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How cleaning standards became what they are today
Cleaning has always existed in some form, but what we expect from it and how we approach it have changed significantly over time. For businesses today, understanding how cleaning methods and standards reached their current point helps explain why expectations around hygiene, presentation and safety are higher than they once were and why cleaning now sits much closer to risk management than general upkeep.
Workplaces today are judged not only on how they look but also on how safe and well-maintained they feel. Clients, staff and regulators notice the small details that set these standards apart, and it makes a big difference in how a space is perceived and experienced. This article explores how cleaning standards and methods have evolved, from basic maintenance to structured hygiene protocols.
The key takeaways
- Cleaning began as basic upkeep focused on removing waste and keeping spaces usable, long before hygiene standards or formal processes existed.
- As workplaces grew larger and more complex, cleaning moved into structured routines tied to productivity, safety and daily operations.
- Scientific advances shifted expectations beyond what could be seen, placing greater weight on hygiene, contamination control and documented processes.
- Technology improved consistency and efficiency, but effective cleaning still relies on practical judgement and human oversight.
- Modern cleaning standards now sit closer to risk management, balancing hygiene, sustainability and how spaces are actually used day to day.
The origins of cleaning practices
Early cleaning practices were driven more by necessity than by standards. In ancient civilisations, cleaning focused on removing waste, managing odours and clearing visible dirt because they were the most pressing problems. In Roman cities, food waste areas and drainage systems were built to move waste away from populated areas, mostly because it made cities unpleasant and unworkable, not because of an understanding of germs. Streets in busy areas were swept to clear waste and debris, purely to allow trade and foot traffic to continue.
In warmer regions such as ancient Egypt, homes and public spaces were washed down to control insects and smells, while personal washing was linked to social or religious customs rather than health outcomes. The positive impacts of these cleaning standards were noticed over time rather than purposely implemented, and cleaning remained reactive rather than preventative, with little expectation of consistency beyond keeping spaces usable.
The Industrial Revolution and early commercial cleaning
The Industrial Revolution changed how people worked and where they worked. Factories, warehouses and large offices brought together more people in confined spaces, often for long hours under demanding conditions, and with this change came new problems. Dust, waste and spills built up quickly, and unmanaged environments became unsafe and unproductive.
Cleaning began to move from individual responsibility to organised routines. Roles were defined, cleaning schedules were introduced and tools became more industrial. Floors needed regular attention, machinery areas required cleaning to reduce accidents and shared facilities had to be tidy to remain functional.
At this point, cleaning standards evolved from supporting usability to being more closely linked to productivity and safety. A clean workplace was one where work could continue without disruption. Cleaning became part of operations rather than an afterthought.
Mid-20th century: hygiene & public health movements
As people began to realise how tidy and hygienic the physical environment around them was, it became apparent that it also affected how those in the space felt. In the mid-20th century, scientific understanding of bacteria and infection improved, and expectations around cleanliness shifted again.
Hospitals were among the first environments where this knowledge changed behaviour. Sterilisation, routine cleaning and documented processes became common, and these ideas slowly spread into other settings such as schools, food preparation areas and public buildings.
Businesses began to recognise that hygiene affected staff wellbeing and absenteeism, as well as public perception. Cleanliness started to reflect professionalism, and clients expected businesses to maintain environments that felt safe and well-managed, even if they couldn’t necessarily explain why.
It was during this era that cleaning standards shifted from what could be seen to what could not.
The impact of modern science & contamination control
As cleaning science progressed, sanitising and disinfecting became part of standard practice in many industries. The focus moved toward reducing microbial risk, particularly around frequently touched surfaces.
One of the most common issues seen during this period was confusion between cleaning and sanitising. In many workplaces, sanitising products were applied to surfaces that had not been properly cleaned, leading to inconsistent results and lingering hygiene problems. Over time, it became clear that the process mattered just as much as the choice of cleaning products.
Regulations and industry guidance began to formalise expectations. Food safety standards, healthcare protocols and workplace health requirements played a part in how cleaning was planned and documented. These standards constantly evolved in response to repeated issues, audits and real-world failures.
Modern cleaning practices have become more than just one step. Visual cleanliness remained important, but microbial control was now expected at the same time, particularly in food businesses and health facilities.
Technology’s role in modern cleaning standards
As workplaces grew larger and more complex, technology began supporting cleaning routines in more practical ways. Manual cleaning was still necessary, and still is today, but machinery made it easier to keep standards consistent across bigger spaces. Tools like industrial floor machines, commercial vacuum cleaners and purpose-built cleaning equipment allowed teams to work more efficiently without compromising health and safety.
Automated scrubbers, programmable systems and monitoring tools also changed how decisions were made. Instead of relying on memory, schedules could be based on usage and risk assessments. In food service areas, details such as dishwashers set to the correct temperature became part of maintaining reliable hygiene and infection control while still improving efficiency.
Even with all these advancements, experienced judgement is still necessary. Technology can point out patterns and help keep routines consistent, but it can’t spot subtle changes in how a space is used or when something needs adjusting. The strongest cleaning practices combine modern systems with practical experience, so decisions are based on what’s actually happening in the space.
Future trends in cleaning standards
The future of cleaning in commercial spaces will place greater focus on sustainability standards and on adapting routines to actual use rather than rigid schedules. As workplaces move toward hybrid and more efficient operations, constant cleaning is often unnecessary and can create extra work and waste without improving standards. Cleaning programs are beginning to reflect how spaces are used day to day, rather than following set routines by default.
The expected standard of cleanliness isn’t necessarily rising; it’s just being maintained through different approaches. More businesses are beginning to rely on data-driven insights and preventive approaches. With antimicrobial coatings and nanotechnology already being used in some commercial environments, it’s likely these methods will become a more familiar part of how hygiene is managed over time.
Take a moment to review how your cleaning schedules and standards are holding up
Cleaning standards are often set with the best intentions, then left to run in the background for years. As workplaces change and expectations shift, those standards don’t always get revisited, even though the environment around them has moved on.
Taking a step back to examine your current standards and how they are maintained is especially important in settings where hygiene and presentation are highly regulated.
If you’d like a second set of eyes on your current standards or support aligning them with how your workplace now operates, Jani-King can help. We’ve been working alongside commercial workplaces since 1993, adapting cleaning practices as operations and expectations have changed.